‘Fleabag’ Still Resonates as a Masterpiece
Nearly a decade after Fleabag first aired on BBC Three, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s darkly comic and emotionally raw series continues to captivate audiences with its layered storytelling and unflinching portrayal of grief, love, and identity.
Originally a one-woman play that debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Fleabag made its television premiere on July 21, 2016. Since then, it has amassed a devoted global fanbase and critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards. Its central character, simply known as Fleabag and portrayed by Waller-Bridge herself, remains one of modern television’s most complex and relatable figures.
The tragic death of Jenny Rainsford‘s character, Boo, Fleabag’s best friend, is at the center of the two-season show. The show masterfully weaves this grief into its comedic fabric, using fourth-wall-breaking as both a narrative tool and emotional shield. Fans continue to revisit the show not only for its sharp wit, but also for its startlingly honest depiction of emotional pain and the struggle to move forward.
One scene in particular, where it confesses, “I don’t know what to do with it. With all the love I have for her. I don’t know where to put it now,” has resurfaced on social media as a deeply resonant articulation of loss. “When Fleabag perfectly encapsulated grief,” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter), capturing what many viewers have long felt.
Reddit discussions echo this sentiment. A user reflected: “On a second viewing after experiencing personal loss, I realized how accurate the show is. The need for closeness, while fearing true connection — it’s all painfully real and brilliantly done.”
But Fleabag’s exploration of grief is just one of its triumphs. The show also shines in its portrayal of sisterhood, particularly the relationship between Fleabag and her tightly wound sister Claire, played by Sian Clifford. Their dynamic — messy, painful, but filled with unspoken devotion — has struck a chord with many. In one standout scene, Claire tells Fleabag she’s the only person she’d run through an airport for, a line often reserved for romantic love in pop culture.
“That scene helped me understand how I love my sibling,” one fan posted. Another called it “a eureka moment.”
Then there’s the iconic storyline with Andrew Scott’s Hot Priest, a character that tests Fleabag’s defenses and even her trademark fourth-wall-breaking. In a poignant confession of love, Fleabag is told, “It’ll pass.” It’s one of many heartbreakingly subtle moments that illustrate the series’ deft handling of human connection and loss.
Even secondary characters offer unforgettable moments. Belinda, an older woman Fleabag meets at an awards event, delivers a powerful monologue about the inherent pain of being a woman and the liberation found with age — a scene many consider a feminist touchstone.
With every rewatch, it reveals new emotional layers. Whether it’s the sharp comedy, the devastating silences, or the moments of surprising intimacy, the show continues to draw in first-time viewers and longtime fans alike.
As the show quietly celebrates its ninth anniversary, it remains not just a comedy, but a cultural and emotional landmark. For anyone who hasn’t experienced its brilliance yet, now may be the perfect time to step into Fleabag’s chaotic, fragile, and deeply human world.
